The Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities: A History of Faith, Justice, and Education
The Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU) stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Jesuit education in the United States, Canada, and Belize. Rooted in a 450-year-old tradition, Jesuit education aims to cultivate individuals intellectually, morally, and spiritually, preparing them for lives of solidarity, service, and professional success. This article delves into the history of the AJCU, its formation, key figures, collaborative initiatives, and its impact on higher education.
Origins and Formation
The seeds of the AJCU were sown in the early 1930s with the establishment of the Jesuit Educational Association (JEA). The JEA served as an umbrella organization for both Jesuit secondary and postsecondary education, fostering collaboration and shared goals among its members. Rev. Edward Rooney, S.J., served as the Executive Director of JEA from 1937 to 1966, providing leadership and direction during its formative years.
In 1970, the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU) was officially founded, succeeding the Commission on Colleges and Universities of the JEA. This transition marked a pivotal moment, signifying a focused commitment to advancing Jesuit higher education. The AJCU's formation was driven by the desire to promote collaborative activities, share resources, and advocate for the unique values and mission of Jesuit institutions.
Early Leadership and Key Figures
The AJCU's early years were shaped by the vision and dedication of several key leaders. Rev. A. William Crandell, S.J., served as the first president of AJCU (1970-71), laying the foundation for the association's future growth. He was followed by Rev. John Fitterer, S.J. (1971-77); Rev. William McInnes, S.J. (1977-89); Rev. Paul Tipton, S.J. (1989-1995); Rev. James Carter, S.J. (Interim,1995-1996); Rev. James Sauve, S.J. (1996 - died in office); Rev. Donald Monan, S.J. (Interim, 1996-97); Rev. Charles L. Currie, S.J. (1997-2011); Rev. Gregory F. Lucey, S.J. (2011-2013); Rev. Michael J. Sheeran, S.J. (2013-2020); and Rev. Michael J. Garanzini, S.J.
For the first two decades, the AJCU operated with a small staff, primarily focused on providing information and support to the presidents of Jesuit colleges and universities. Their efforts included sponsoring AJCU Conferences (now Networks), building relationships with other higher education associations, engaging in government relations, collecting data for the AJCU Fact Files, and planning AJCU Board Meetings.
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Core Values of Jesuit Education
The AJCU's work is guided by the core values of Jesuit education, rooted in the vision of St. Ignatius Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus. These values include:
- Cura Personalis: Recognizing each person as a unique creation of God, emphasizing individual care and attention.
- Discernment: Encouraging students to be open to God's spirit as they make decisions and contribute to the greater good. Discernment is a process for making choices, in a context of faith, when the option is between several possible courses of action, all of which are potentially good.
- Finding God in all things: Grounding education in the presence of God, encompassing imagination, emotion, and intellect.
- Magis: Challenging students to go beyond expectations, interacting with the world with generosity, excellence, and empathy. Magis, Latin for "more," represents a commitment to continuous improvement and striving for the greater good.
- Reflection: Encouraging students to pause and consider the world around them and their place within it before making decisions. A foundational value of Jesuit education is the practice of reflection.
- Service rooted in justice and love: Cultivating critical awareness of social and personal evil, while emphasizing the transformative power of God's love.
- Solidarity and kinship: Fostering collaboration and a sense of community, working together for the greater good and developing relationships with surrounding communities.
Collaborative Initiatives and Networks
The AJCU has consistently fostered collaboration among its member institutions through various initiatives and networks. These networks serve as forums for the exchange of ideas, best practices, and professional development for administrators, faculty, and staff.
One notable initiative was the launch of the Jesuit Distance Education Network (JesuitNET) in 1999. JesuitNET aimed to develop high-quality online educational programs that integrated Ignatian pedagogy. The Competency Assessment in Distributed Education (CADE) model was created to help faculty incorporate Ignatian principles into their online courses.
Another significant undertaking was the conference held at Santa Clara University in October 2000, marking the 25th anniversary of Decree Four of the 32nd General Congregation of the Society of Jesus, ‘Our Mission Today: The Service of Faith and the Promotion of Justice.’ This landmark decree re-oriented all Jesuit institutions toward the inextricable linking of faith-and-justice as a constituent identifier of any work calling itself Jesuit. The conference brought together delegates from Jesuit colleges and universities to reflect on the meaning of Decree Four and chart a path forward.
Following the Justice 2000 conference, a national steering committee was formed to maintain momentum and convene regular gatherings focused on Commitment to Justice in Jesuit Higher Education. These conferences have taken place at various Jesuit universities, providing a platform for ongoing dialogue and action.
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JASPA: A Vital Component
The Jesuit Association of Student Personnel Administrators (JASPA) plays a vital role in the AJCU network. Founded in 1954 by deans from six Jesuit colleges, JASPA provides a forum for student affairs professionals to collaborate and share best practices. Key figures in JASPA's early history include:
- Victor Yanitelli, S.J. of Fordham, chairman (president)
- Joseph Rock, S.J., dean of students at Georgetown University, JASPA’s first leader.
- Anthony O’Flynn, S.J., dean of students at Loyola University New Orleans, served as the organization’s first secretary.
- Thomas Emmett, University of Detroit, was elected secretary in 1959 and served in that role until 1967.
- Wayne Tinkle, Loyola University Chicago, served as JASPA’s first lay president in 1966-1968.
Advocacy and Influence
From its inception, the AJCU has played a crucial role in advocating for public support for private education. The association was instrumental in the development of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU), amplifying its voice on national policy issues.
The AJCU also played a significant role in the development of Pope John Paul II’s Apostolic Constitution, Ex corde Ecclesiae, which outlined his vision for Catholic universities. Rev. James Sauve, S.J., developed the final draft, and AJCU later collaborated with Monika Hellwig on the implementation of the document.
Member Institutions
The AJCU comprises 28 Jesuit colleges and universities and three theological centers in the United States, Canada, and Belize. These institutions, while legally autonomous, share common Jesuit ideals and traditions. They include a diverse range of institutions, from major research universities to small liberal arts colleges.
Jesuit Colleges and Universities in the United States:
- Boston College
- Canisius College
- College of the Holy Cross
- Creighton University
- Fairfield University
- Fordham University
- Georgetown University
- Gonzaga University
- John Carroll University
- Le Moyne College
- Loyola Marymount University
- Loyola University Chicago
- Loyola University Maryland
- Loyola University New Orleans
- Marquette University
- Regis University
- Rockhurst University
- Saint Joseph's University
- Saint Louis University
- Saint Peter's University
- Santa Clara University
- Seattle University
- Spring Hill College
- University of Detroit Mercy
- University of San Francisco
- University of Scranton
- Wheeling University
The Enduring Impact of Jesuit Education
The Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities has had a profound impact on higher education. Through its collaborative initiatives, advocacy efforts, and commitment to core values, the AJCU has strengthened Jesuit institutions and promoted the transformative power of Jesuit education. Graduates of Jesuit colleges and universities are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values to become leaders in their communities and contribute to a more just and humane world.
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The AJCU's legacy extends far beyond the boundaries of its member institutions. Its commitment to cura personalis, discernment, and service rooted in justice and love serves as an inspiration for educators and students alike. As the AJCU continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of higher education, its core values will remain a guiding force, ensuring that Jesuit education continues to shape lives and transform communities for generations to come.
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